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SciTech Hands on Museum: History

The Science and Technology Interactive Center was established in 1987 by Ernest Malamud, a physcist at Fermilab. SciTech was the realization of his dream: to create a place where people could discover the wonders of science and technology. For the first two years SciTech was located in a Naperville basement, and during its first summer hosted anywhere from 1000 to 1500 visitors a day. SciTech initially included just 25 exhibits, a collection which has grown to over 150.

Fermilab has been closely involved with SciTech since its inception: it originally funded the salary of SciTech’s Executive Director and many of the original exhibits were built with the assistance of Fermilab scientists and engineers. Argonne and Bell Labs also provided employees to the museum, some of whom volunteer at SciTech to this day. Unfortunately, Fermilab suffered during the economic crisis and lost much of its funding. Nevertheless, Fermilab still assists when it can and provides a member of our Board of Directors.

In the late 1980’s, SciTech was recruited by the City of Aurora to relocate from Naperville and to lease the historic Aurora Post Office building at 18 West Benton Street. Its Aurora ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in June 1990. It has been 23 years since this relocation, during which time many renovations have been done to modernize the facility. In 2000 the Outdoor Science Park overlooking the Fox River was developed by Ronin Muir. In 2004 the mezzanine and auditorium were added, creating a second level for additional hands on exhibits and a new classroom.

New and exciting things are happening every day at the SciTech Museum!

The SciTech STEM Discovery Academy is amazing! Limited to only 40 children between the ages of 3 and 7, this kindergarten and preschool is one of the only S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum based preschools in the country! Full and part time options are available. Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Museum Overnights: Groups of 50 or more can enjoy exclusive use of the museum and our newly recreated overnight camp experience! Food, fun and a sci-tacular experience!!

Birthday Parties: Have your party at SciTech Museum in your own private room followed by access to over 200 hands on exhibits for you and your guests! You can also select add ons to your party from an ala carte menu that includes: pizza, cake, goody bags, a science activity and make your own Pucker Powder gift party favors!

Special events every month! Check in frequently for exciting “must not miss”, sell-out events happening at the museum every month.